I tried on the inner lining of the
red gown today. Fitting number 1 down. Amazing how the lining is the backbone and foundation of a dress. All the red satin will be draped and formed over the lining of the dress. So far, so good. We have a long way to go until the dress will be ready.
My friend Allison will be pleased to see that I've done something with the black bridesmaid dress I wore for her wedding back in 2003, I think? Every bride claims that they pick a dress that's simple so you can wear it again and while, it's a nice thought, those dresses usually just gather dust in the back of closets. This dress was the epitome of simple and versatile but it still never got worn. I brought this simple black dress with me knowing that I could have it altered. I added the gathered chiffon halter and long tie in the back of the neck. We added a bit of gather at the bust line but that was it. It's a new dress and definitely wearable again.
My second fitting for a gown always seems to be the worst. The lining is complete but the top layer (the layer that really maters) is always a complete mess. The fabric placement on this dress especially makes me nervous because even after fiddling with it for a while I couldn't get it to lay quite how I pictured it in my head. The sleeves need more structure and are too long. The cowl hangs awkwardly, the waistline is nonexistent and my hips look three times too big in this version of the dress. That's why we call it a work in progress. In the end Frankie said he'll get a new piece of red satin for the top and go from there. At this stage in the process I not only worry whether the dress will turn out how I envision, but also if I had the right dress made in the first place. I am always torn with following through with the project and mentally kicking myself for not having a practical simple black dress made. There is no turning back now. Onward to the finished product. Next week is a new fitting. Right now it's a far cry from the original. 
